Full May Progress

Hello all! Sorry I have been MIA. I have been lacking creativity on what to post here and life has been insane with mine and David's training schedules so I haven't had time to create content. I am hoping to post more this month, but it is going to be extra busy so we will see how it goes.
This month was good as far as running and weight loss goes. I looked up the first time I was officially weighed after I got home from college. It was about 2 months before David and I got married and I was at 156. This most likely means I am at the lowest weight of my married life! Now weight isn't everything and I am definitely in better physical shape now, but I am glad to be seeing results. I feel so much healthier overall and am constantly amazed by how much better my body functions when I fuel it correctly and exercise!
Here are my measurements for this month:

Right Arm: 13
Left Arm: 13
Right Leg: 24 (.5 inch lost)
Left Leg: 24 (1 inch lost)
Right Calf: 15
Left Calf: 15.5
Natural waist: 29 (1inch lost)
Waist at belly button: 31.5 (2 inches lost)
Hips: 41 (1 inch lost)
Bust: 37 (1.5 inches lost)

This month I can definitely see how I continue to lose weight in the areas that my body holds onto fat,  mainly my midsection and hips. I'm also trying to focus on toning my arms since they are an area I find I always have trouble with.

Left: Jan 4//Right: June 2

Left: April 29//Right: June 2

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 157.2//Loss since Jan. 4: 40.4 pounds//Overall: 82.8 pounds

Full April Progress

Yes! I'm alive! This month has been crazy as I've adjusted to a new schedule of cross training and mostly running. I can feel that my weight loss is slowing down since I've lost over half of what I want to. I was prepared for this and don't feel like I need to adjust my eating or anything like that, I just need to continue being consistent and keep pushing my body. I am glad that I am making progress and that my body continues to feel stronger each day. Some days are definitely harder than others, but I find that as long as I am consistent I am successful.
Here are my measurements for this month:

Right Arm: 13 (1 inch lost)
Left Arm: 13 (1 inch lost)
Right Leg: 24.5
Left Leg: 25
Right Calf: 15  (.5 inch lost)
Left Calf: 15.5
Natural waist: 30 (1.5 inches lost)
Waist at belly button: 33.5 (1.5 inches lost)
Hips: 42 (1 inch lost)
Bust: 38.5

Left: Jan 4//Right: April 29

Left: April 1//Right: April 29

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 164.4//Loss since Jan. 4: 33.2 pounds//Overall: 75.6 pounds

February Progress Week 3

This week was good. I feel like I'm finally in a really good routine. Everett is transitioning to one nap a day, so I did have to adjust to that, but overall I feel like I'm getting into the groove of things.
I ran my first mile. You can read more about that here.

I have been very grateful to see great progress so quickly. I know that won't always be the case, but I'm glad to have had a great jumping off point. It isn't only about the weight loss for me, but that is a nice bonus. I love how great I feel. I love trying delicious new foods and being creative with what I make. I love being able to devote my time to feed my body correctly and by being active and getting strong.

I am having logistical issues with figuring out when and where to run that will fit into my day. I'm leaning towards running at a gym early morning or in the evening, with the option of running during the day since the gym will have child watch. Everett doesn't do well in those kind of situations so I don't really want to torture him by doing that.

The upside to that would be that I have access to the weight lifting equipment and classes at the gym as well. That is a huge bonus for me.

Please subscribe to my blog if you have a minute and let me know in the comments what kinds of things you would like to see talked about here!

Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 180.2//Loss since Jan. 4: 17.4 pounds//Overall: 59.8 pounds

February Progress Week 2

This week was good for many reasons. I'm down 2.6 pounds-from 184.2 to 181.6. I continue to feel so much better overall and can definitely see the progress I've made. Some days I do feel super bloated and get discouraged, but I'm proud that I am sticking to my goals and making good choices.
I've gotten to the point now where I usually plan what I will eat for the day in the morning, while I'm eating breakfast. I find that this lets me know what I'm lacking for the day as far as protein or if I need more fruits and veggies. I also feel more in control of my eating this way. This may not work for everyone, but this definitely helps me overall. I do change my mind, but planning ahead also gives me an idea of how many calories I have left or how many calories on average I should eat for each meal.
I've also found a nice little trick to get in some extra activity. Towards 5pm-6pm Everett tends to get a bit restless and whiny. So I put on some music and dance around like a maniac while cleaning up his toys. I might look silly but it makes Everett laugh, the toys get picked up and I get in a short workout boost. I will also throw in a couple rounds of some push ups, sit ups, planks, etc. Whatever I feel like doing to push our dance party as much as possible.
I will be putting together a play list this week of some good songs that are happy and motivating songs for a nice little dance party.
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Starting weight: 197.6//Current weight: 181.6//Loss since Jan. 4: 16 pounds//Overall: 58.4 pounds

January Progress

So after the holidays and vacation, I did what most people do and recommit to fitness and weight loss.
My reasons are numerous, the biggest one being that I had now gone over my pre-pregnancy weight and I felt awful all the time because of how I was eating. I felt tired all the time, had consistent headaches, I found myself getting agitated more easily, and I didn't feel happy with that.
I knew something had to change and I had to be all in.
I know all the things I should be doing to control my weight and get my body strong, but I don't always implement them. Usually I lack motivation and go completely in the other direction. I gain weight pretty easily if I'm no paying attention to my diet choices and staying active.
So, January 1st rolled around and I had to game plan.

-I was going to use my recumbent bike to complete 1,000 miles this year. My husband's goal is to run 1,000 miles and I figured I could manage biking that many.
-I needed to focus on portion control, nutrient dense foods and tracking what I eat. I use MyFitnessPal and absolutely love it. It always helps me.
-I needed to do other strength training so I could be strong and capable.
-I needed to drink more water! This alone has been so crazy helpful.

With those things in mind I set out to meet my goals. At first I wasn't sure how much weight I wanted to lose. My main focus was just to feel better and do better. About the second week of January, I decided I was going to get my weight to 135. This is about 5 pounds less than the healthiest (when I came home from college) weight I've been able to achieve. I still have about 50 pounds to lose in order to meet this goal.
I know it won't be easy, but I know it will be worth it.

So far this month I have lost almost 12 pounds. I know this is mainly because I was eating so poorly in the months leading up to the new year, but I am prepared to alter my plans when the plateau is inevitably hit.

I am so grateful to my wonderful husband for motivating me to always do my best and to really challenge myself to do better.